ROXAS City, Capiz – Farmers in Maayon, Capiz were tapped to develop and enhance organic farming in the town, particularly targeting the town’s forest community.
Through the School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) Philippines, 10 farmers from Maayon became part of the pioneer batch that underwent one-month intensive training in organic agriculture production (OAP) in Angat, Bulacan. The 10 beneficiaries are scheduled to graduate in Bacolod City on May 3, 2024.
SEED Philippines is an initiative of the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation. They recently partnered with the municipal government of Maayon.
Archie Jan Latoza, from the upland barangay of Canapian, was grateful for the training in January 2024. He admitted to only having limited knowledge about organic farming, but when he participated in the training, he said his knowledge of OAP had increased.
Latoza, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture majoring in Animal Science, is the team leader of the Maayon Resource and Development Center Enchanted Farm (MRDCEF) in Barangay Tapulang, Maayon.Aside from the aforementioned training, the scholars were also able to pass the National Assessment for Organic Agriculture Production National Certificate (NC) II conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Bulacan.
Latoza said that after passing their training and assessment, they went back to Maayon to complete their two-month community-based training where they applied their learning from SEED Philippines through the establishment of their community food farm at MRDCEF.
“What was discussed between the SEED Philippines and Maayon local government unit (LGU) is that the SEED Philippines will provide the capital that will be used in the farm. The LGU will assist in the transportation and accommodation of the students for two months in Barangay Tapulang,” Latoza said in Hiligaynon.
He added that aside from the financial support, the land area for the MRDCEF is owned by the LGU.
For his part, Maayon public information officer Ronjel Delfin said there is a need to bring back organic farming, especially with the hot climate conditions experienced and high prices of farm produce.
Delfin also revealed that the LGU is looking forward to offering OAP NC II through TESDA for the marginalized sector. (Philippine Information Agency)/PN
